U.S. patent application number 17/109789 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-25 for protective outer case, especially for portable audio device systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.l.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.l.. Invention is credited to Darrick Albert Del Moral, Bryan Hynecek, Christopher William Ledesma, Lauren O' Brien, Bryan Vo, Monica Elizabeth Wright.
Application Number | 20210085047 17/109789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005291289 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210085047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright; Monica Elizabeth ;
et al. |
March 25, 2021 |
Protective Outer Case, Especially For Portable Audio Device
Systems
Abstract
An outer case for covering a handheld electronic device or
handheld electronic device case includes a base, a lid, and a
collar. The lid is pivotably attached to the base. The collar is
attached to the base and is moveable away from the lid such that
the lid rotates away from the base during movement of the collar
away from the lid.
Inventors: |
Wright; Monica Elizabeth;
(Falls Church, VA) ; Del Moral; Darrick Albert;
(San Bruno, CA) ; Vo; Bryan; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Ledesma; Christopher William; (Arcadia, CA)
; Hynecek; Bryan; (Redwood City, CA) ; O' Brien;
Lauren; (Burlingame, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.l. |
Luxembourg |
|
LU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsonite IP Holdings
S.ar.l.
Luxembourg
LU
|
Family ID: |
1000005291289 |
Appl. No.: |
17/109789 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16522408 |
Jul 25, 2019 |
|
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17109789 |
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63053295 |
Jul 17, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; H04R 1/1025 20130101; H04R 1/1016 20130101;
A45C 2011/001 20130101; H04R 1/1041 20130101; H04R 2420/07
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00; A45C 13/02 20060101 A45C013/02 |
Claims
1. An outer case for covering a handheld electronic device or
handheld electronic device case, the outer case comprising: a base;
a lid pivotably attached to the base; and a collar slidable along
the base and away from the lid such that the lid rotates away from
the base as the collar slides away from the lid.
2. The outer case of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the lid away
from the base is approximately proportional to the movement of the
collar away from the lid.
3. The outer case of claim 2, wherein the rotation of the lid away
from the base is approximately linearly proportional to the
movement of the collar away from the lid.
4. The outer case of claim 1, the outer case further comprising a
flexible panel, wherein the lid is attached to the collar via the
flexible panel.
5. The outer case of claim 4, wherein the lid is rotatable away
from the base about a pivot axis, and wherein the collar has a
collar upper rim that remains below an interface between the lid
and the base during rotation of the lid away from the base.
6. The outer case of claim 4, wherein the collar includes a first
side attached to the flexible panel and a second side attached to
the first side, the second side being configured for selectively
securing a side of the lid to a side of the base such that the
outer case is in a closed position.
7. The outer case of claim 6, wherein the collar is slidable along
the base such that the flexible panel slides with the collar during
movement of the collar away from the lid.
8. The outer case of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the
collar surrounds an exterior of the base.
9. The outer case of claim 6, wherein the second side of the collar
is latched to the base in the closed position of the outer
case.
10. The outer case of claim 6, wherein the second side of the
collar is opposite the first side of the collar.
11. The outer case of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
collar is slidable along the base.
12. The outer case of claim 1, wherein the base or the collar
includes one or more flanges and the other of the base and the
collar includes one or more recessed tracks, and wherein the one or
more flanges protrude into and are slidable along respective ones
of the one or more tracks.
13. The outer case of claim 1, wherein the base includes an
interior defining a base opening, and wherein the lid covers the
base opening.
14. The outer case of claim 1, wherein the lid has a first lid rim
along at least a first portion of the lid and the collar has a
collar upper rim, and wherein the lid rotates away from the base
from a closed position of the outer case in which the first lid rim
is in abutment with the collar upper rim to an open position of the
outer case in which the first lid rim is spaced from the collar
upper rim.
15. The outer case of claim 14, wherein the base has a base rim
defining a top of the base, wherein the first lid rim defines a
bottom of the lid, and wherein the first lid rim is recessed such
that the first lid rim extends below the base rim and the lid
covers a covered portion of the collar in the open position of the
outer case.
16. The outer case of claim 14, wherein the base is made of a rigid
plastic material and the lid includes a lid inner layer made of a
flexible plastic material and a lid outer layer made of a rigid
plastic material.
17. The outer case of claim 16, wherein the base has a base rim,
wherein the lid outer layer includes the first lid rim and the lid
inner layer includes a second lid rim, and wherein the second lid
rim is in abutment with the base rim when the outer case is in the
closed position.
18. The outer case of claim 17, wherein the lid inner layer extends
beyond the lid outer layer such that the lid inner layer overlaps a
portion the collar when the outer case is in the closed
position.
19. The outer case of claim 14, wherein a lid exterior surface of
the lid and a collar exterior surface of the collar are coextensive
such that the lid and the collar exterior surfaces are flush when
the outer case is in the closed position.
20. The outer case of claim 1, further comprising a textile
attachment loop extending through the base.
21. The outer case of claim 1, wherein the base defines a base hole
extending through a thickness thereof, the outer case further
comprising a port cover, the port cover including a cover base
attached to the base and a port cover door attached to the cover
base such that the port cover door is rotatable from a position
covering the base hole to a position exposing the base hole for
insertion of components through the base hole.
22. A handheld electronic device system comprising: either one or
both of a handheld electronic device and a handheld electronic
device case configured for storing the electronic device; and the
outer case of claim 1 enclosing the one or both of the electronic
device and the electronic device case in a first state and exposing
the one or both of the electronic device and the electronic device
case in a second state.
23. An outer case for covering a handheld electronic device or
handheld electronic device case, the outer case comprising: a base;
a lid; and a collar attached to the base and the lid such that the
lid is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the base, wherein
the collar is moveable in a direction away from the lid such that
the lid rotates away from the base during movement of the collar in
the direction away from the lid.
24. The outer case of claim 23, further comprising an elastic
panel, the collar being attached to the lid via the elastic panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/522,408 filed Jul. 25, 2019, and
claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 63/053,295 filed Jul. 17, 2020, the disclosures of
which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates generally to audio
accessories, and in particular, to a protective case for audio
device systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wireless earbuds, such as Airpods.RTM. by Apple, Inc., are
used in conjunction with a charging case. These charging cases are
rigid to prevent damage to the earbuds contained in them. Left
exposed, the charging cases are susceptible to scratches and to
damage from the environment.
[0004] Various coverings for the charging cases that house the
earbuds have been developed to address these issues and thus offer
significant benefits over the use of charging cases alone as an
external covering for wireless earbuds. Soft-touch silicone has
been a preferred material to provide cushioning when the earbud
case, a frictional surface for a better grip on the case, and
significant scratch resistance.
[0005] Although these coverings offer significant benefits over the
use of charging cases alone as an external covering for wireless
earbuds, such coverings also have significant limitations. The use
of silicone to provide an external surface for these coverings
creates a highly frictional surface on the coverings that makes
them difficult to place in and to remove from user's pockets and
other tight places. External hinges of certain cases or recesses in
bases for accommodating rotations of lids attached to the bases of
certain cases snag on clothing or other objects in the external
environment which subjects the earbud system and casings to
potential drops or other shocks and possible loss.
[0006] Cases on the market also have tended to open involuntarily
when snagged on clothing or when dropped on a hard surface or
otherwise impacted. Moreover, such cases have allowed dirt and lint
to accumulate within the charging case and even the earbuds
themselves.
[0007] Accordingly, more secure coverings with lower friction, less
susceptibility to snags, and enhanced environmental protection are
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an outer case
for covering a handheld electronic device or handheld electronic
device case may include a base, a lid, and a connecting portion.
The base may include a first base layer which may be made of an
elastomeric first material and a second base layer which may be
attached to the first base layer and which may be made of a second
material different from the first material. The lid may include a
first lid layer which may be made of an elastomeric third material
and a second lid layer which may be attached to the first lid layer
and which may be made of a fourth material different from the third
material. The connecting portion may be attached along a rear wall
of the base and a rear wall of the lid. The rear wall of the base,
the rear wall of the lid, and the connecting portion may be flush
when the outer case is in a closed state with the lid covering an
opening defined by the base. The connecting portion may suspend the
lid when the outer case is in a fully open state with the lid
spaced from the base.
[0009] In some arrangements, the second and the fourth materials
may be rigid materials.
[0010] In some arrangements, the first base layer and the first lid
layer may define an interior of the outer case, and the second base
layer and the second lid layer may define an exterior of the outer
case.
[0011] In some arrangements, the first material and the third
material may be the same material, and the second material and the
fourth material may be the same material.
[0012] In some arrangements, the connecting portion may be a hinge
such that the lid rotates relative to the base via the connecting
portion in a direction away from the base towards the fully the
open state of the outer case.
[0013] In some arrangements, the lid may include a lid flange, and
the base may include a base flange closer to an opening defined by
the base in an open state of the outer case than the lid flange
when the outer case is in the closed state.
[0014] In some arrangements, the outer case may further include a
hook or loop. The hook or loop may extend from the base. The hook
or loop may be integral with the first base layer such that the
hook or loop and the first base layer may be inseparable without
fracture of either one or both of the hook or loop and the first
base layer. The hook or loop may extend from the first base layer
through the second base layer.
[0015] In some arrangements, the base, the lid, and the connecting
portion may be integral such that the base, the lid, and the
connecting portion may be inseparable without fracture of any one
or any combination of the base, the lid, and the connection
portion.
[0016] In some arrangements, either one or both of the base and the
lid may be made of co-molded or co-casted polymer layers.
[0017] In some arrangements, either one or both of the base and the
lid may be made of a plurality of layers attached by an
adhesive.
[0018] In some arrangements, the first material and the third
material each may include at least one material selected from the
group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs"),
thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), silicone, rubber, and any
combinations of these materials.
[0019] In some arrangements, the second material and the fourth
material each may include at least one material selected from the
group consisting of hardened plastic materials, rigid or semi-rigid
plastic materials, rigid rubber materials, polycarbonate materials,
metals, alloys, para-aramid materials, wood, glass, mirror, quartz,
and any combinations of these materials.
[0020] In some arrangements, an outer surface or outer surfaces of
any one or any combination of the first base layer, the second base
layer, the first lid layer, and the second lid layer may include an
antimicrobial substance or treatment. In such arrangements, the
antimicrobial substance or treatment may be selected from the group
consisting of silver and silver alloys, copper and copper alloys,
organosilanes, quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorhexidine,
chlorhexidine incorporated hydroxyapatite materials,
chlorhexidine-containing polymers, and antibiotics.
[0021] In some arrangements, the outer case may conform to and may
be configured for covering a case, which may be a charging case,
for storing earbuds, which may be wireless earbuds.
[0022] In some arrangements, the outer case may be configured for
covering one or more earbuds, a microphone or case therefor, a
voice recorder or case therefor, a remote control device or case
therefor, a pager or case therefor, or a video game controller or
case therefor.
[0023] In some arrangements, the outer case may further include a
cushion and a ridge. The cushion may be attached to the lid. The
ridge may be attached to the lid on a side of the lid opposite the
cushion. The cushion may be configured to compress the one of the
handheld electronic device or the handheld electronic device case
covered by the outer case.
[0024] In some such arrangements, the cushion may be attached to
the first lid layer and the ridge may be attached to the second lid
layer.
[0025] A handheld electronic device system may include either one
or both of a handheld electronic device and a handheld electronic
device case configured for holding the electronic device and an
outer case enclosing the one or both of the electronic device and
the electronic device case in a first state and exposing the one or
both of the electronic device and the electronic device case in a
second state. The outer case may include a base, a lid, and a
connecting portion. The base may include a first base layer which
may be made of an elastomeric first material and a second base
layer which may be attached to the first base layer and which may
be made of a second material different from the first material. The
lid may include a first lid layer which may be made of an
elastomeric third material and a second lid layer which may be
attached to the first lid layer and which may be made of a fourth
material different from the third material. The connecting portion
may be attached along a rear wall of the base and a rear wall of
the lid. The rear wall of the base, the rear wall of the lid, and
the connecting portion may be flush when the outer case is in a
closed state with the lid covering an opening defined by the base.
The connecting portion may suspend the lid when the outer case is
in a fully open state with the lid spaced from the base.
[0026] In some arrangements, the handheld electronic device system
may include both the handheld electronic device and the handheld
electronic device case. In such arrangements, the handheld
electronic device may be held within the electronic device
case.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect, an outer case for
covering a handheld electronic device or handheld electronic device
case may include a base, a lid, and a flexible hinge. The lid may
be configured for placement onto the base. The lid may have a first
state in which the lid is placed on the base and a second state in
which the lid is spaced from the base. The flexible hinge may be
attached to the base and the lid. The flexible hinge may be in the
form of a curved sheet when the lid is in the first state and may
be in the form of a paraboloid when the lid is in the second
state.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an outer
case for covering a handheld electronic device or handheld
electronic device case may include a base, a lid, and a collar. The
lid may be pivotably attached to the base. The collar may be
slidable along the base and away from the lid such that the lid
rotates away from the base as the collar slides away from the
lid.
[0029] In some arrangements, either one or both of the base and the
lid may be made of co-molded or co-casted polymer layers. In some
other arrangements, either one or both of the base and the lid may
be made of a plurality of layers attached by an adhesive.
[0030] In some arrangements, an outer surface or outer surfaces of
any one or any combination of the base, the lid, and the collar may
include an antimicrobial substance or treatment. In such
arrangements, the antimicrobial substance or treatment may be
selected from the group consisting of silver and silver alloys,
copper and copper alloys, organosilanes, quaternary ammonium
compounds, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine incorporated hydroxyapatite
materials, chlorhexidine-containing polymers, and antibiotics.
[0031] In some arrangements, the outer case may conform to and may
be configured for covering a case for storing earbuds.
[0032] In some arrangements, the outer case may be configured for
covering one or more earbuds, a microphone or case therefor, a
voice recorder or case therefor, a remote control device or case
therefor, a pager or case therefor, or a video game controller or
case therefor.
[0033] In some arrangements, the rotation of the lid away from the
base may be approximately proportional to the movement of the
collar away from the lid. In some such arrangements, the rotation
of the lid away from the base may be non-linearly, but
approximately linearly proportional to the movement of the collar
away from the lid.
[0034] In some arrangements, the outer case may further include a
flexible panel. In such arrangements, the lid may be attached to
the collar via the flexible panel. In some arrangements, the
flexible panel may act as a hinge. In some arrangements, the
flexible panel may be made of a textile and the collar may be an
injection-molded polycarbonate. In some such arrangements, the
textile may be elastic.
[0035] In some arrangements, the lid may be rotatable away from the
base about a pivot axis. In such arrangements, the collar may have
a collar upper rim that remains below an interface between the lid
and the base during rotation of the lid away from the base.
[0036] In some arrangements, the collar may include a first side
attached to the flexible panel and a second side attached to the
first side. The second side of the collar may be configured for
selectively securing a side of the lid to a side of the base such
that the outer case is in a closed position. In some arrangements,
the collar may be slidable along the base such that the flexible
panel slides with the collar during movement of the collar away
from the lid. In some arrangements, the second side of the collar
may be latched to the base in the closed position of the outer
case. In some arrangements, the second side of the collar may be
opposite the first side of the collar.
[0037] In some arrangements, at least a portion of the collar may
surround an exterior of the base. In some arrangements, at least a
portion of the collar may be slidable along the base.
[0038] In some arrangements, the base or the collar may include one
or more flanges and the other of the base and the collar may
include one or more recessed tracks. In such arrangements, the one
or more flanges may protrude into and may be slidable along
respective ones of the one or more tracks.
[0039] In some arrangements, the base may include an interior
defining a base opening in which the lid may cover the base
opening.
[0040] In some arrangements, the lid may have a first lid rim along
at least a first portion of the lid, and the collar may have a
collar upper rim. In such arrangements, the lid may rotate away
from the base from a closed position of the outer case in which the
first lid rim is in abutment with the collar upper rim to an open
position of the outer case in which the first lid rim is spaced
from the collar upper rim.
[0041] In some arrangements, the base may have a base rim defining
a top of the base, the first lid rim may define a bottom of the
lid, and the first lid rim may be recessed. In this manner, the
first lid rim may extend below the base rim and the lid may cover a
covered portion of the collar in the open position of the outer
case.
[0042] In some arrangements, the base may be made of a rigid
plastic material, and the lid may include a lid inner layer made of
a flexible plastic material and a lid outer layer made of a rigid
plastic material. In some such arrangements, the base may have a
base rim, the lid outer layer may include the first lid rim, and
the lid inner layer may include a second lid rim. In some such
arrangements, the second lid rim may be in abutment with the base
rim when the outer case is in the closed position. In some such
arrangements, the lid inner layer may extend beyond the lid outer
layer such that the lid inner layer overlaps a portion of the
collar when the outer case is in the closed position.
[0043] In some arrangements, a lid exterior surface of the lid and
a collar exterior surface of the collar are coextensive such that
the lid and the collar exterior surfaces are flush when the outer
case is in the closed position.
[0044] In some arrangements, the outer case may further include an
attachment member that may extend through the base and that may be
in the form of a loop. The attachment member may be made of a
textile which may be flexible.
[0045] In some arrangements, the base of the outer case may define
a base hole that may extend through a thickness of base. In some
such arrangements, the outer case further may include a port cover.
The port cover may include a cover base that may be attached to the
base of the outer case and a port cover door that may be attached
to the cover base. The port cover door may be rotatable from a
position covering the base hole to a position exposing the base
hole for insertion of components through the base hole. In some
arrangements, the base hole may extend through a bottom of the base
of the outer case. In some arrangements, the base hole may be
configured to receive a charging plug of a charging adapter as
known to those skilled in the art.
[0046] In accordance with another aspect, an outer case and a
handheld electronic device system may include either one or both of
a handheld electronic device and a handheld electronic device case
configured for holding the electronic device. The outer case may
enclose or may be configured for enclosing the one or both of the
electronic device and the electronic device case in a first state
and exposing the one or both of the electronic device and the
electronic device case in a second state. The outer case may be any
one of the aforementioned outer cases. For example, the outer case
may include a base, a lid, and a collar. The lid may be pivotably
attached to the base. The collar may be attached to the base and
moveable away from the lid such that the lid rotates away from the
base during movement of the collar away from the lid.
[0047] In accordance with another aspect, an outer case for
covering a handheld electronic device or handheld electronic device
case may include a base, a lid, and a collar. The collar may be
attached to the base and the lid such that the lid may be pivotable
about a pivot axis relative to the base. The collar may be moveable
in a direction away from the lid such that the lid rotates away
from the base during movement of the collar in the direction away
from the lid.
[0048] In some arrangements, the outer case may further include an
elastic panel. In some such arrangements, the collar may be
attached to the lid via the elastic panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the
present invention and various advantages thereof may be realized by
reference to the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0050] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an audio device system
(shown in broken lines) encapsulated by a protective outer case,
shown in an open state in accordance with an embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the outer case of FIG.
1, shown in the open state, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a front view of the outer case of FIG. 2, shown in
the open state;
[0053] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the outer case of FIG. 2, shown in
the open state;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the outer case of FIG. 2,
shown in the open state;
[0055] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the outer case of FIG. 2,
shown in the open state;
[0056] FIG. 7 is a top view of the outer case of FIG. 2, shown in
the open state;
[0057] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the outer case of FIG. 2, shown
in the open state;
[0058] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the outer case of
FIG. 2, shown in the open state;
[0059] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the outer case of FIG.
1, shown in the closed state in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 11 is a front view of the outer case of FIG. 10, shown
in the closed state;
[0061] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the outer case of FIG. 10, shown
in the closed state;
[0062] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the outer case of FIG. 10,
shown in the closed state;
[0063] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the outer case of FIG. 10,
shown in the closed state;
[0064] FIG. 15 is a top view of the outer case of FIG. 10, shown in
the closed state;
[0065] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the outer case of FIG. 10, shown
in the closed state;
[0066] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the outer case of
FIG. 10, shown in the closed state;
[0067] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a protective outer
case, shown in an open state, in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0068] FIG. 19 is a front view of the outer case of FIG. 18, shown
in the open state;
[0069] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a protective outer
case, shown in the open state, in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional right side view of a protective
outer case, shown in a closed state, in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional right side view of an
in-process protective outer case;
[0072] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of an outer lid layer
of the outer cases of FIGS. 1, 10, 18, and 20 in accordance with
another embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a protective outer
case, shown in an open state, in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0074] FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the outer case of
FIG. 24, shown in the open state;
[0075] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of an earbud device
storage system, shown in an open state in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0076] FIG. 27A is a left front perspective view of an outer case
in accordance with an embodiment, shown in a closed state;
[0077] FIG. 27B is a left front cross-sectional view of the outer
case of FIG. 27A, taken along lines 27B-27B;
[0078] FIG. 27C is a left front perspective view of the outer case
of FIG. 27A, shown in an open state;
[0079] FIG. 27D is a left front cross-sectional view of the outer
case of FIG. 27A, shown in the open state;
[0080] FIG. 27E is an exploded view of the outer case of FIG.
27A;
[0081] FIG. 28A is a left front perspective view of an upper
subassembly of the outer case of FIG. 27A, shown in the open
state;
[0082] FIG. 28B is a left bottom perspective view of the upper
subassembly of FIG. 28A, shown in the closed state;
[0083] FIG. 28C is a right rear perspective view of the upper
subassembly of FIG. 28A, shown in the closed state;
[0084] FIG. 29 is a left bottom perspective view of a lower
subassembly of the outer case of FIG. 27A;
[0085] FIG. 30 is a left bottom perspective view of the upper
subassembly of FIG. 28A;
[0086] FIG. 31A is a left front perspective view of the outer case
of FIG. 27A without a collar;
[0087] FIG. 31B is a right rear perspective view of the outer case
of FIG. 27A without a collar;
[0088] FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the
cross-section of the outer case shown in FIG. 27B;
[0089] FIG. 33A is a bottom view of the outer case of FIG. 27A;
and
[0090] FIG. 33B is a top cross-sectional view of the outer case of
FIG. 27A taken along lines 33B-33B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0091] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other
elements which are conventional in this art. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable
for implementing the present invention. However, because such
elements are well known in the art, and because they do not
facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a
discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
[0092] Any numerical ranges set forth herein are included to
individually disclose every sub-range and number, both whole
integer and partial fraction, within the disclosed range. For
example, a disclosed range of 1-100 is intended to individually
disclose 10-90, 40-70, 29.5-60.2, 65, 57.3, 94.512924, and every
other range and number that falls within the recited range.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 1, audio device system 5 includes left
earbud 6, right earbud 7, charging case 10, carabiner 18, and outer
case 20. Charging case 10 includes charging base 12 and charging
lid 15 attached to the charging base. Charging base 12 includes
left and right base cavities 13, 14 with shapes corresponding to
the respective shapes of bottom portions of left and right earbuds
6, 7. Charging lid 15 includes left and right lid cavities 16, 17
with shapes corresponding to the respective shapes of top portions
of left and right earbuds 6, 7 such that upon closure of the lid,
the left earbud is enclosed by left base cavity 13 and the left lid
cavity and the right earbud is enclosed by right base cavity 14 and
right lid cavity 17.
[0094] As shown, outer case 20 includes base portion 30 and lid
portion 40 attached to and closeable onto the base portion via
connecting portion 50. Base portion 30 covers an entirety of an
external surface of charging base 12 and lid portion 40 covers an
entirety of an external surface of charging lid 15 such that upon
closure of the lid portion onto the base portion of outer case 20
with charging case 10 arranged within the base portion, the
entirety of the charging case is enclosed by the outer case (see
FIGS. 10 and 17). During use of outer case 20 in either an open
position as shown in FIGS. 2-9 or in a closed position as shown in
FIGS. 10-17, only one or none of left and right earbuds 6, 7 may be
suitably received in the respective left and right base cavities
13, 14 of charging base 12.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 2-9, base portion 30 of outer case 20
includes inner base layer 31 and outer base layer 32 attached to
the inner base layer to form a base receptacle 33 defined by the
inner base layer. As in the example shown, base receptacle 33 may
conform or substantially conform to the shape of charging base 12
of charging case 10 such that the charging base is held in place by
the base receptacle in any orientation of the charging base,
including when outer case 20 is in the open position. Lid portion
40 of outer case 20 includes inner lid layer 41 and outer lid layer
42 attached to the inner lid layer to form a lid receptacle 43
defined by the inner lid layer. Lid receptacle 43 conforms or
substantially conforms to the shape of charging lid 15 of charging
case 10 such that the charging lid is held in place by the lid
receptacle in any orientation of the charging lid, including when
outer case 20 is in the open position. Either one or both of the
combination of inner base layer 31 and outer base layer 32 and the
combination of inner lid layer 41 and outer lid layer 42 may be
co-molded/co-casted together or otherwise permanently affixed to
each other, such as with an adhesive, in the manner further
described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,755,852 and U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos. 2019/0075899 A1 and 2019/0075900 A1, the
entireties of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein. Thicknesses of each of inner base layer 31, inner
lid layer 41, outer base layer 32, and outer lid layer 42 may be in
the range of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm Moreover, an overall thickness of
each of the combination of inner base layer 31 and outer base layer
32 and the combination of inner lid layer 41 and outer lid layer 42
may be in the range of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm In some arrangements,
either one or both of the combination of inner base layer 31 and
outer base layer 32 may be a single base layer and the combination
of inner lid layer 41 and outer lid layer 42 may be a single lid
layer.
[0096] As shown for example in FIG. 2, connecting portion 50 acts
as a flexible hinge. In this example, connecting portion 50 extends
across and along rear wall 67 of base portion 30 and rear wall 77
of lid portion 40. In this example, connecting portion 50 is
overmolded onto lid portion 40 and includes tabs (not shown)
snapped into corresponding holes of outer base layer 32 to inhibit
pull out of the connecting portion from the outer base layer and
retain the connecting portion in the outer base layer. In
alternative arrangements, the connecting portion may be overmolded
onto base portion 30 and snapped into corresponding holes of outer
lid layer 42. In other alternative arrangements, the connecting
portions may be attached to the base portion and the lid portion in
another manner, such as through the use of an adhesive or by way of
other mechanical connections. When outer case 20 is in the closed
position, connecting portion 50 is generally in the form of a
curved sheet, as shown for example by FIGS. 12-14. In this manner,
rear wall 67 of base portion 30, connecting portion 50, and rear
wall 77 of lid portion 40 are flush when outer case 20 is in the
closed position such that these portions do not catch on other
objects during use of the outer case. When outer case 20 is in the
open position, connecting portion 50 is generally in the form of a
paraboloid, as shown for example by FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. In this
manner, lid portion 40 attached to connecting portion 50 rotates
upwardly and away from base portion 30 during opening of outer case
20.
[0097] As shown, outer case 20 further includes attachment loop 60
extending from base portion 30. A separate hook, key ring,
carabiner 18, and the like may be attached to attachment loop 60
for easier carrying of outer case 20 and its contents or attachment
of outer case 20 and its contents to another object such as a bag
or belt loop of a user. Attachment loop 60 extends from inner base
layer 31 and through an opening defined by outer base layer 32. In
some arrangements, attachment loop 60 is integral with inner base
layer 31 such that the attachment loop and the inner base layer are
inseparable without fracture. In other arrangements, attachment
loop 60 may be attached to inner base layer 31 by an adhesive, by
way of a tight interference fit within the inner base layer, by way
of a flange extending from the attachment loop and preventing
separation of the attachment loop from the inner base layer, or by
other means known to those skilled in the art. As in the example
shown, a corner formed by bottom wall 34 and side wall 36 of base
portion 30 may be truncated such that a substantial portion of
attachment loop 60 (see FIG. 3) extends at an oblique angle to the
bottom wall and the sidewall of the base portion within the
truncated region of the base portion. In this manner, attachment
loop 60 is configured to minimize possible snags on or other
interference with objects in the external environment. Attachment
loop 60 extends from and, in the example shown, is integral with
loop insert 78. Loop insert 78 includes tabs (not shown) snapped
into corresponding holes of outer base layer 32 to inhibit pull out
of the loop insert from the outer base layer and retain the loop
insert in the outer base layer. In some alternative arrangements,
attachment loop 60 may be in the form of a hook. In this manner,
attachment loop 60 may be attached directly to a bag or belt loop
or other object.
[0098] Front wall 37 of base portion 30 of outer case 20 includes
base flange 35 set into and extending from base recess 38 of the
base portion, and front wall 47 of lid portion 40 of the outer case
includes lid flange 45 set into and extending from lid flap 48 of
the lid portion. Lid flap 48 is located on lid portion 40 and base
recess 38 is located on base portion 30 such that upon closure of
outer case 20, the lid flap is received within the base recess as
shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13-17. Lid flange 45 is aligned with
base flange 35 such that upon closure of outer case 20, the lid
flange overlaps and is below the base flange such that the base
flange is closer to base opening 39 of base receptacle 33 than the
lid flange. As in the example shown, either one or both of base
flange 35 and lid flange 45 is configured with an undercut such
that a tip of the other of the base flange and the lid flange is
received within such undercut or undercuts when outer case 20 is in
the closed position. The use of the undercuts inhibits relative
slipping between the base and lid flanges 35, 45, allowing the
closure of base portion 30 onto lid portion 40 to be more secure.
In some alternative arrangements, one or more dual hinge latches as
known to those skilled in the art may be utilized in place of or in
combination with flanges like those of base and lid flanges 35, 45.
Such dual hinge latches may be in the form of latches used on
fishing tackle boxes sold commercially today.
[0099] As in the example shown in FIGS. 1-17, outer case 20 may
define additional openings or cutouts at various locations so as to
allow various buttons, ports, or features of a protected device,
such as charging case 10, to be accessed without having to remove
the protected device 10 from the outer case. For example, opening
91 through front wall 37 of outer case 20 is configured to expose a
light indicator, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator, of
charging case 10 to allow a user to be alerted when charging of
earbuds 6, 7 is complete or when additional charging is needed,
depending on the default settings of the LED indicator. As another
example, opening 92 extends through port insert 64 received in a
hole defined by bottom wall 34 to provide access to a charging port
of charging base 12. In this example, port insert 64 includes tabs
(not shown) snapped into corresponding holes of outer base layer 32
to inhibit pull out of the port insert from the outer base layer
and retain the port insert in the outer base layer. Port insert 64
includes port body 65 and port ribs 66A, 66B attached on opposite
sides of a top portion of the port body. Port body 65 defines a
lead-in chamfer and port ribs 66A, 66B in combination with the top
portion of the port body define opening 92. The lead-in chamfer of
port body 65 and port ribs 66A, 66B provide a guide for the
insertion of a peripheral component, such as a connector of a power
plug, through opening 92 in which the port ribs provide a slight
resistance during the insertion of the peripheral component and
thereby provide tactile feedback to a user that the connector is
received in the opening.
[0100] Inner base layer 31, inner lid layer 41, and port insert 64
preferably may be made of elastomeric or other suitably flexible
materials. Preferred materials include thermosetting plastics with
a hard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D, polycarbonate,
poly(methyl methacrylate) ("PMMA"), metals, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene ("ABS"), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), high
durometer thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs") and thermoplastic
polyurethanes ("TPUs") having shore 30D to shore 100D, and any
combination thereof. In some arrangements, either one or both of
inner base layer 31 and inner lid layer 41 may be made of a
non-Newtonian dilatant material, as further described in U.S.
Patent Application Publication Nos. 2019/0075899 A1 and
2019/0075900 A1. Inner base layer 31 and inner lid layer 41
preferably are made of the same material, although these layers may
be made of different materials.
[0101] Outer base layer 32 and outer lid layer 42 preferably may be
made of a rigid or hard material to create a rigid/hard shell which
provides at least some impact protection as well as protection from
being punctured by impacts with sharp objects. Preferred hard/rigid
materials include hardened plastic material, a rigid or semi-rigid
plastic material, a rigid/hard rubber material, a polycarbonate
material, a metal, an alloy, a para-aramid material, wood, glass,
mirror, quartz, and any combination thereof, and may be any color
or texture. Such materials may be the same as or may mimic the
material or materials used for charging case 10. Outer base layer
32 and outer lid layer 42 preferably are made of the same material,
although these layers may be made of different materials.
[0102] Any one or any combination of surfaces of inner base layer
31, outer base layer 32, inner lid layer 41, and outer lid layer 42
exposed to users in either one or both of the open and closed
positions of outer case 20 may be treated with an antimicrobial
material applied as a coating or any one of such layers 31, 32, 41,
42 may have an antimicrobial material embedded into such layers.
Preferred antimicrobial materials include silver or silver alloy
(e.g., silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate), copper or
copper alloy, organosilanes, quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g.,
dimethyloctadecyl (3-trimethoxysilyl propyl) ammonium chloride,
alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium
chloride), chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine incorporated hydroxyapatite
materials, chlorhexidine-containing polymers (e.g.,
chlorhexidine-containing polylactide), and antibiotics (e.g.,
gentamicin, cephalothin, carbenicillin, amoxicillin, cefamandol,
tobramycin, vancomycin). Preferred antimicrobial coatings include
coatings containing any of the aforementioned antimicrobial
materials, chlorhexidine-containing polylactide coatings on an
anodized surface, and polymer and calcium phosphate coatings with
chlorhexidine. These antimicrobial treatments aid in reducing the
presence and preventing the growth of microbes (e.g., bacteria,
fungi, viruses, etc.), thereby aiding in preventing the spread of
related sicknesses, illnesses, or diseases.
[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, in an alternative arrangement,
outer case 120 is the same or substantially the same as outer case
20 with the exception that outer case 120 includes lid 140 in place
of lid 40. Lid 140 is the same or substantially the same as lid 40
with the exception that lid 140 includes inner lid layer 141
defining recess 151 and further includes cushion 152 received in
the recess. Cushion 152 extends beyond inner lid layer 141 and is
oriented such that the cushion opposes ridge 55 of outer lid layer
42. In this manner, upon insertion of charging lid 15 of charging
case 10 into outer case 120, cushion 152 and ridge 55 each contact
the charging lid to aid in retaining the charging lid in place in
the outer case. As in the example shown, cushion 152 may be made of
silicone or other elastic material such that the cushion may be
flexible to provide an interference fit with an inserted charging
lid 15 and to provide a frictional surface to further aid in
retaining the charging lid in outer case 120.
[0104] Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, in another alternative
arrangement, outer case 220 is the same or substantially the same
as outer case 20 with the exception that outer case 220 includes
upper inner base layer 231A and lower inner base layer 231B in
place of inner base layer 31. Lower inner base layer 231B is
symmetrical about an axis extending from the top to the bottom of
outer case 220 and further has a substantially hourglass shape
defined by upper wings 281 (only one upper wing being shown as the
other wing is symmetrical to the upper wing shown) and lower wings
282 (only one lower wing being shown as the other wing is
symmetrical to the lower wing shown) and upper base layer 231A
extends within the rest of outer case 220 such that, together,
upper inner base layer 231A and lower inner base layer 231B take
the same form as inner base layer 31 of outer case 20. A thickness
of lower inner base layer 231B defines undercut 283 that extends
over bottom portion 284 of upper inner base layer 231A to inhibit
pull out of the upper inner base layer from outer case 220. A
thickness of upper inner base layer 231A extends over lower wings
282 of lower inner base layer 231B to inhibit pull out of the lower
inner base layer from outer case 220.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 23, an underside of outer lid layer 42
includes a pair of bumps 44A, 44B having central axes extending
within parallel planes. Outer lid layer 42 is utilized for outer
cases 20, 120, 220, and the like.
[0106] Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, in yet another alternative
arrangement, outer case 320 is substantially the same as outer case
20 with the notable exceptions that outer case 320 generally
includes base 330 in place of base 30, lid 340 in place of lid 40,
and connecting portion 350 in place of connecting portion 50. Base
330 includes inner base layer 331 having base ribs 339 that define
opening 339A along a top portion of the inner base layer in place
of inner base layer 31 that excludes such base ribs. Base ribs 339
provide additional friction against charging base 12, relative to
surfaces without such ribs, when the charging base is inserted into
base receptacle 333 defined by inner base layer 331. Base 330
further includes port insert 364 which is substantially the same as
port insert 64 with the notable exception that port insert 364
excludes port ribs 66A, 66B such that opening 392 defined by the
port insert provides less resistance to any connector of a power
cord or other peripheral device inserted into the opening.
Connecting portion 350 of outer case 320 includes tabs 354A, 354B
that, unlike the corresponding tabs of connecting portion 50 of
outer case 20, extend into corresponding holes 368A, 368B of inner
base layer 331. In this manner, unlike inner base layer 31 of outer
case 20, inner base layer 331 does not press against tabs 354A,
354B.
[0107] Lid 340 includes inner lid layer 341 having lid ribs 349
along a bottom portion of the inner lid layer in place of inner lid
layer 41 that excludes such lid ribs. Lid ribs 349 provide
additional friction against charging lid 15, relative to surfaces
without such ribs, when the charging lid is inserted into lid
receptacle 343 defined by inner lid layer 341.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 26, 27A, and 27B, earbud device
storage system 501 includes charging case 10 and outer case 510
into which the charging case is seated. In the example shown,
storage system 501 forms part of an audio device system that
includes earbuds (not shown), e.g., Airpods.RTM. wireless earphones
by Apple, Inc. With reference to FIGS. 26-27D, outer case 510
includes base 520 and lid 530 in which lid 530 rotates with a lid
of charging case 10 from a closed position to an open position, as
in the example shown in FIG. 26, to allow access to earbuds that
may be inserted into the charging case for charging and storage. In
the closed position of outer case 510 (see FIG. 27A), lid 530 fully
covers an opening of base 520 for receiving charging case 10 and
the lid is further secured to collar 560 to thereby secure the
charging case and its contents within the outer case. In this
manner, charging case 10 is protected from dust such that outer
case 510 may have an IP5X rating according to IEC 60529 (also EN
60529). In satisfying this standard, dust that enters outer case
510 during testing does not enter charging case 10. Lid 530 is
opened by depressing and pushing or pulling collar lever 565 of
collar 560 in a direction away from lid 530 to release a latched
connection (see FIG. 32) between the collar and the lid and
simultaneously cause the collar to pull on the lid and thereby
cause the lid to pivot away from base 520 and expose charging case
10 for access to the case and its contents. In terms of storing a
charging case such as charging case 10, outer case 510 operates in
a substantially similar manner to outer case 520 described
above.
[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 27A-27E, outer case 510 further
includes flexible panel 550, collar 560 slidably attached to base
520 and attached to lid 530 by the flexible panel, port cover 580,
and attachment member 590. Lid 530 includes lid inner layer 531 and
lid outer layer 533 attached to the lid inner layer, e.g., via
co-molding, co-casting, or an adhesive as known to those skilled in
the art. Lid inner layer 531 may be a flexible layer as described
further herein and have lid inner layer rim 532 and lid outer layer
533 may be a rigid layer as described further herein and have lid
outer layer rim 534. Lid inner layer 531 defines an interior of the
lid and lid outer layer 533 defines an exterior of the lid in which
the lid inner layer extends beyond lid outer layer rim 534 such
that lid inner layer rim 532 is spaced from the lid outer layer
rim.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 28A-29, outer case 510 may be divided into
upper subassembly 511 and lower subassembly 512. Upper subassembly
511 includes lid 530, collar 560, and flexible panel 550 that
attaches the lid to the collar such that the lid is pivotable away
from the collar, as demonstrated by the contrast between FIG. 28A
and FIGS. 28B, 28C. The components of upper subassembly 511 may be
assembled and held together without attachment to lower subassembly
512. As shown in FIG. 30, flexible panel 550 may be fitted within
and extend between lid panel recess 539 of lid 530 and collar panel
recess 563 of collar 560 such that the flexible panel may be flush
with or, as in the example of FIG. 30, rest below top edges of the
lid panel and collar panel recesses.
[0111] Referring again to FIG. 29 and further referring now to
FIGS. 31A and 31B, lower subassembly 512 includes base 520, port
cover 580, and attachment member 590 which may be assembled and
held together without attachment to upper subassembly 511. As
shown, base 520 includes base main body 521 having base rim 522,
base side flanges 523A, 523B extending from left and right sides of
the base main body, base rear flanges 524A, 524B extending from a
rear side of the base main body, and base front flanges 525A, 525B,
the flanges being described further below. As shown by FIGS. 527B,
531A, 531B, and 532, when outer case 510 is in the closed position,
lid inner layer rim 532 is in abutment with base rim 522 along
front sides, i.e., sides opposite flexible panel 550, and at least
respective left and right sides adjacent to the front sides of lid
inner layer 531 and base 520. In this manner, dust and other
particles, e.g., lint, may be prevented from entering outer case
510 when the outer case is in the closed position.
[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 27E and 29-31B in view of FIGS.
27A-27D, collar 560 includes circumferential band 562 configured to
wrap around base 520 and collar latch portion 561 attached to the
circumferential band. In some arrangements, as in the example
shown, an interior surface of circumferential band 562 may be
dimensioned such that all or at least a portion of the
circumferential band is in contact with all or a substantial
portion of a circumference of an exterior surface of base 520
during opening of lid 530 via sliding of collar 560 along base 520.
As shown by FIGS. 27B, 27C, 28B, 28C, and 32, collar 560 has collar
upper rim 564 that is in abutment with lid outer layer rim 534 when
outer case 510 is in the closed position. In this manner, dust and
other particles may be further prevented from entering outer case
510 when the outer case is in the closed position. Collar 560
further includes front track recess 571 and rear track recesses
573A, 573B on a side of the collar opposite the front track
recesses as well as left and right track recesses 574A, 574B
between the front and respective ones of the rear track recesses.
In this manner, when upper subassembly 511 is properly assembled to
lower subassembly 512, base front flanges 525A, 525B are received
within front track recess 571, base rear flanges 524A, 524B are
received within respective rear track recesses 573A, 573B, and base
side flanges 523A, 524B are received within respective left and
right track recesses 574A, 574B such that the collar is slidable
along base 520 toward and away from lid 530.
[0113] Referring now to FIGS. 27C, 27D, 28A-28C, and 32, lid outer
layer 533 of lid 530 includes lid catch 535 defining lid catch
recess 536 and having lid catch taper 537 on an end of the lid
catch. Collar latch portion 561 of collar 560 includes a collar
latch body protruding from circumferential band 562 on a front of
outer case 510. Collar hook 566 extends from one end of the collar
latch body 561A and defines collar hook recess 567 configured for
receipt into lid catch recess 536 while collar lever 565 extends
from another end of the collar latch body opposite from the collar
hook. Collar lever 565 is spaced from base 520 such that the collar
lever may be depressed inwardly towards the base to rotate collar
hook 566 away from lid catch 535. Upon sufficient rotation of
collar hook 566 away from lid catch 535 and simultaneously receipt
of a downward force, such as a push or pull in a direction towards
a bottom of base 520 and thus a bottom of outer case 510, applied
to collar latch portion 561, lid 530 is released from being held in
position by the collar latch portion. Sufficient downward force
applied to collar latch portion 561 or to any other portion of
collar 560 while the lid is released pulls flexible panel 550 in a
direction towards the bottom of base 520 and thereby pulls a rear
portion of lid 530 opposite lid catch 535 in the same direction
resulting in rotation of lid 530 about an axis defined by a most
rearward portion 534A of lid outer layer rim 534 shown in FIG. 28C.
In this manner, in some arrangements, when collar 560 is pulled or
pushed downwardly, flexible panel 550 is sufficiently elastic such
that the flexible panel stretches sufficiently to create clearance
by way of a small gap between lid outer layer rim 534 and collar
upper rim 564 and thus to allow rearward portion 534A of lid outer
layer rim 534 to rotate inwardly toward base 520 during rotation of
lid 530 relative to the base. Rearward portion 534A is slightly
raised relative to the rest of lid outer layer rim 534 and top ends
of track recesses 571, 573A, 573B of collar 560 each provide
respective lips acting as stops for their respective flanges 24A,
24B, 25A, 25B of base 520 such that lid 530 is rotated to a fully
open state when the flanges contact the top ends of the recesses.
Rearward portion 534A further creates clearance such that rearward
portion 534A of lid outer layer rim 534 rests below base rim 522
and below a rear portion of collar upper rim 564 upon full rotation
of lid 530 relative to the base without interference from either
the base (see FIGS. 27C and 27D showing the lid and the base in the
middle of a rotation of the lid) or from collar 560 (see FIGS. 27C
and 28A showing the lid and the collar in the middle of a rotation
of the lid). In the example shown, collar 560 may be slid
downwardly such that collar upper rim 564 is below lid outer layer
rim 534 initially at full rotation of lid 530, as shown in FIG.
27D, but upon release of the collar, the elasticity of flexible
panel 550 may be sufficient to pull the collar upwardly such that
the rear portion of the collar upper rim is above rearward portion
534A of outer lay rim 534. The generally raised configuration of
rearward portion 534A thus allows lid 530 to open more fully than
if the rearward portion was not raised relative to the rest of lid
outer layer rim 534 and further provides for clearance for flexible
panel 550 when the lid is rotated open fully. When lid 530 is
rotated open fully, rearward portion 534A of lid outer layer rim
534 is aligned in a vertical direction generally near but below
base rim 522 such that lid outer layer rim 534 abuts a rearward
side of base 520 in this open state.
[0114] As further shown in FIG. 32, base lens 527 is inserted into
base 520 and collar lens 575 is inserted into collar 560. Base 520
further includes base lens cavity 528 and base lens aperture 529
extending through a thickness of base 520 and similarly collar 560
further includes collar lens cavity 576 and collar lens aperture
577 extending through a thickness of collar 560 at collar latch
portion 561. Base lens aperture 529 and collar lens aperture 577
are configured and aligned such that light emitted by charging case
10, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) indicating power or
charging, is visible to the naked eye by a user of earbud device
storage system 501 when outer case 510 is in a closed position.
Base lens 527 is inserted, e.g., by an interference fit, an
adhesive, or both, into base lens cavity 528 forming a counterbore
of base lens aperture 529 and similarly collar lens 575 is inserted
into collar lens cavity 576 forming a counterbore of collar lens
aperture 577. Base lens 527 and collar lens 575, which preferably
may be in the form of a film, prevent intrusion of dust and other
particles while allowing light to pass through both base 520 and
collar 560 when lid 530 of outer cover 510 is in the closed
position.
[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 27E, 33A, and 33B, port cover 580 of
outer case 510 extends through the thickness of base 520 at a
bottom of the base to allow access into the outer case, e.g., to
allow a charging plug to be inserted into charging case 10 through
the port cover. Port cover 580 includes cover base 581 affixed to
an interior of base 520 and port cover door 582 attached along one
side of the cover base such that the port cover door is rotatable
from a position covering a hole through the bottom of base 520 to a
position outside of the base to allow exposure of and access to
charging case 10.
[0116] Still referring to FIGS. 27E, 33A, and 33B, outer case 510
further includes attachment member 590 inserted through the
thickness of a bottom corner of base 520. Attachment member 590
includes loop base 591 affixed to the interior of base 520 and
attachment loop 592 attached to or integral with the loop base.
Attachment loop 592 is configured for attachment to a carabiner or
other similar attachment object and may be but is not limited to
being made of a flexible textile such that when the attachment loop
is attached to such attachment object, the attachment loop may be
stretched in a direction away from the attachment object to allow
for easier access to outer case 510 and thereby charging case 10 or
other components of earbud device storage system 501 when the
charging case is inserted into the outer case.
[0117] Lid inner layer 531, port cover 580, and attachment member
590 preferably may be made of elastomeric or other suitably
flexible materials. Preferred materials include thermosetting
plastics with a hard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D,
polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) ("PMMA"), metals,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), PMMA, polyethylene
terephthalate ("PET"), high durometer thermoplastic elastomers
("TPEs") and thermoplastic polyurethanes ("TPUs") having shore 30D
to shore 100D, and any combination thereof. In some arrangements,
lid inner layer 531, port cover 580, and attachment member 590 may
be made of a non-Newtonian dilatant material, as further described
in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2019/0075899 A1 and
2019/0075900 A1. Lid inner layer 531, port cover 580, and
attachment member 590 may be made of the same material or a
different material than either one or both of the other of the lid
inner layer, the port cover, and the attachment member.
[0118] Base 520 and lid outer layer 533 preferably may be made of a
rigid or hard material to create a rigid/hard shell which provides
at least some impact protection as well as protection from being
punctured by impacts with sharp objects. Preferred hard/rigid
materials include hardened plastic material, a rigid or semi-rigid
plastic material, a rigid/hard rubber material, a polycarbonate
material, a metal, an alloy, a para-aramid material, wood, glass,
mirror, quartz, and any combination thereof, and may be any color
or texture. Such materials may be the same as or may mimic the
material or materials used for charging case 10. Base 520 and lid
outer layer 533 preferably are made of the same material, although
these layers may be made of different materials.
[0119] Any one or any combination of surfaces of base 520, lid
inner layer 531, lid outer layer 533, collar 560, port cover 580,
and attachment member 590 exposed to users in either one or both of
the open and closed positions of outer case 520 may be treated with
an antimicrobial material applied as a coating or any one of such
components 520, 531, 533, 560, 580, and 590 may have an
antimicrobial material embedded into such layers. Preferred
antimicrobial materials include silver or silver alloy (e.g.,
silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate), copper or copper
alloy, organosilanes, quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g.,
dimethyloctadecyl (3-trimethoxysilyl propyl) ammonium chloride,
alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethylammonium
chloride), chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine incorporated hydroxyapatite
materials, chlorhexidine-containing polymers (e.g.,
chlorhexidine-containing polylactide), and antibiotics (e.g.,
gentamicin, cephalothin, carbenicillin, amoxicillin, cefamandol,
tobramycin, vancomycin). Preferred antimicrobial coatings include
coatings containing any of the aforementioned antimicrobial
materials, chlorhexidine-containing polylactide coatings on an
anodized surface, and polymer and calcium phosphate coatings with
chlorhexidine. These antimicrobial treatments aid in reducing the
presence and preventing the growth of microbes (e.g., bacteria,
fungi, viruses, etc.), thereby aiding in preventing the spread of
related sicknesses, illnesses, or diseases.
[0120] It should be understood that covers for other audio device
systems, such as but not limited to microphones, voice recorders,
and the like, that may or may not be encased in or accompanied by a
charging case or charging dock, as well as other handheld
electronic device systems, such as but not limited to remote
controllers, pagers, video game wands or other controllers, and the
like, that may or may not be encased in or accompanied by a
charging case or charging dock, are encompassed by the present
disclosure.
[0121] It is noted that the terminology used above is for the
purpose of reference only and is not intended to be limiting. For
example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "above," "below,"
"rightward," "leftward," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" refer
to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. As
another example, terms such as "inward" and "outward" may refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the component described. As a further example, terms such as
"front," "rear," "side," "left side," "right side," "top,"
"bottom," "horizontal," and "vertical" describe the orientation of
portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame
of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the
associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such
terminology will include the words specifically mentioned above,
derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
[0122] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure set forth herein
includes all possible combinations of the particular features set
forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For
example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of
a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment,
that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in
combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects,
arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the invention, and
in the invention generally. Moreover, the disclosure set forth
herein includes the mirror image, i.e., mirror configuration, taken
from any perspective of any drawing or other configuration shown or
described herein. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the
invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following
claims.
[0123] In addition, it is noted that citation or identification of
any document in this application is not an admission that such
document is available as prior art to the present invention.
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